Massachusetts Denies More Casinos – Studying Online Options

Massachusetts voters resoundingly rejected a proposal to expand the state’s fledgling casino law to allow for an additional slots parlor, which overseas developers had proposed building near Suffolk Downs racetrack in Revere.

Stephanie Ebbert from the Boston Globe reported that “with 73 percent of the vote tallied, Question 1 was defeated 61-39 percent. Question 1 would have authorized the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to license a second slots parlor, in addition to the one already operating in Plainville. The 2011 state law that legalized gambling allowed for only one slots parlor license, as well as three resort-style casino licenses in distinct geographic areas to limit competition.”

This would have possibly opened the doors to other casino operators since it would have changed the initial Massachusetts Gambling Law in 2011. “Opponents said the results showed voters would not be easily swayed by a well-funded campaign by offshore developers.”

But now state officials are looking into regulating daily fantasy sports sites and online casinos. A study by the Special Commission on Online Gaming, Fantasy Sports Gaming and Daily Fantasy Sports is intended to produce legislation next year. The group has until August to complete its report and form a legislative recommendation. By law, the group can’t tackle the issue of online lottery sales.

Massachusetts would be the first to regulate daily fantasy sports sites and online casinos in New England, but maybe not in the northeast. New York and Pennsylvania are also looking into it.

FanDuel and DraftKings represent today’s online gaming options.

Steve Crosby, of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, said the study will be “an opportunity for us to continue…the initiative that we’ve made about trying to come up with some omnibus legislation to regulate all of online gaming.”

The omnibus approach to which Crosby refers is possible legislation that would legalize and regulate virtually all forms of online gambling at once, including poker, daily fantasy sports, casino gaming, and lottery.

What a coincidence – DFS industry leader DraftKings is based in Massachusetts. Just saying…….

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